InBox Inspiration

You know those forwarded messages that you get hundreds of in your email inbox? Try reading a few now and then, because most are sent with powerfully positive intentions and could well be exactly what you needed to uplift your spirits that day.

I'm usually not one for forwarding, but I do read what my friends felt pressed to send me. And this one I'm about to share here you may have seen before. It does have an air of familiarity about it, so I'm sure this is not the first time it's been passed around, but I want our daughters to be sure they know they are not alone in one universal 'fault' we women share. And I want our sons to be able to recognize and appreciate the divine differences in our sexes.

The following is as it was sent to me and not my words;

Women have strengths that amaze men....

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in..

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give..

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, 
 
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.  

As women we are made as nurturers and it so easy to forget to pause and refresh our own spirit and mind. I remember the first time someone told me about taking care of myself first and I struggled with feelings like that was selfishness, or it just felt strange. But then I came across the scripture stating to daily renew your mind, and it came to me that this just may be the key.

As women we seldom think of our own needs until we are exhausted beyond normal. Yet, by daily refreshing and renewing our focus, we can avoid the crash. It sounds simple because it is.

Face it ladies, we are just wired differently than the guys. I recall a study regarding women and men and brain waves. A group of men and women were shown images of what society deems attractive men and women while studying brain patterns. The women had activity in their brains equally for both sexes, where the men only reacted to an attractive female. But, before you roll your eyes and tell me you could have predicted that, hear me out.

We ladies see beauty in so much more than our balancing counterpart men. So take my other favorite scripture from Phillippians (4:8) and train your thoughts to meditate on positive things, not all the potential negatives you see around you. Take in the view while calming your active mind. If if your view is not at all soothing, try a photo, a sound, or simply sitting quietly with your eyes closed.

When is the last time you truly tasted that favorite morning beverage or treat? I mean really tasted it! Eyes closed, smelling that aroma, savoring the first splash of colors, smells, and taste as it travels across your tongue. In the shower, take a pause and look down. Watch the water flowing off you into the drain and away. Imagine that water as carrying any thought, feeling, emotion, or worry away with it and breathe deeply.

Sound a little too much for you? You'd be surprised how the mind reacts to these very simple and relatively time free actions. You have more time in your day for yourself than you realize if you clear out all the static and worry. Remember to be amazed at the little things daily by resetting your focus and watch your energy and self giving grow!

Want a boost with imagery? Today in my art blog I posted a beautiful scene that is completely nature at it's most manicured and well tended. Maybe it will inspire awe for you. Go There Now.